How to Battle Rosacea Redness

We all know that makeup can only do so much in achieving the appearance of a healthy looking complexion. Using the right skin care products is key to great skin – whether it’s a canvas for your makeup or being worn bare — especially when you have a skin condition.

Although I personally don’t have rosacea, it is a common skin condition that an estimated 16 million Americans have to deal with every day, the majority being women! While the cause is unknown, rosacea can cause facial redness, sensitivity, irritation and pimples, among other symptoms. Most women with rosacea seek to hide their skin by using heavy, full coverage makeup… which might not necessarily be what’s best for the skin every day!

In a study conducted by the National Rosacea Society, 76% of respondents with rosacea reported they suffered from low self-esteem because of their skin condition. However, only half of them have gone to a dermatologist to address their concerns because of the fear of an expensive solution.

If you have rosacea, there are simple practices that can help reduce triggers and manage redness. It’s always best to talk to a dermatologist to determine a skincare regimen that’s perfect for you, but you can also try out these tips to help keep redness at bay:

Be Gentle Rosacea can make the skin irritable, and sensitive to harsh products. Possible triggers include alcohol, fragrances, or other strong ingredients in a product. You also want to stay away from makeup or skincare products that require a lot of scrubbing to take off (or contain rough exfoliates).

Cover Up & Protect
Sun is a common trigger for those with rosacea. Limiting sun exposure with clothing helps, but always remember to use SPF in your face products! Even without the condition, I triple my protection using moisturizer, primer AND foundation that contain sunscreen.

Stay Cool
Both hot and cold temperatures can trigger rosacea symptoms. The key is avoiding both extremes, whether that means turning down the hot showers or covering up with a scarf in nippy weather!

Your Body is a Temple
Good sleep and trigger-free food choices will help keep rosacea symptoms at bay. Generally try to stay away from processed foods, and be observant of how your skin reacts after eating. This way, you can be aware of your personal food triggers.

Take a Break from Makeup AND Redness
Luckily, there is a way for those with rosacea to be comfortable in their own skin when they have to face the world. Mirvaso (brimonidine) topical gel, 0.33%* is the only prescription treatment specifically developed and indicated to battle the persistent facial redness of rosacea. You only have to apply it to the face once daily, and it will start working in as little as half an hour! Mirvaso keeps redness away for up to twelve hours, so even without makeup, your skin can take a break from the redness. The best part: with insurance, Mirvaso could cost as little as a $25** copay. Give your skin a rest from the heavy makeup and let it breathe— something it truly needs!

Are you ready to show off your skin? Mirvaso is hosting the Break Up With Your Makeup Sweepstakes, where you can enter for a chance to win a trip to the 2014 Emmys! You can enter, and learn more about the treatment of rosacea below.

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Important Safety Information:
Indication: Mirvaso® (brimonidine) topical gel, 0.33% is an alpha adrenergic agonist indicated for the topical treatment of persistent (nontransient) facial erythema of rosacea in adults 18 years of age or older. Adverse Events: In clinical trials, the most common adverse reactions (≥1%) included erythema, flushing, skin burning sensation and contact dermatitis. Warnings/Precautions: Mirvaso Gel should be used with caution in patients with depression, cerebral or coronary insufficiency, Raynaud’s phenomenon, orthostatic hypotension, thromboangiitis obliterans, scleroderma, or Sjögren’s syndrome. Alpha-2 adrenergic agents can lower blood pressure. Mirvaso Gel should be used with caution in patients with severe or unstable or uncontrolled cardiovascular disease. Serious adverse reactions following accidental ingestion of Mirvaso Gel by children have been reported. Keep Mirvaso Gel out of reach of children. Not for oral, ophthalmic, or intravaginal use. You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit http://www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.